Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers are right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, currently residing in sixth place with a 29-18 record.

Lillard has been red hot this season, carrying his team throughout most of the year as CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic dealt with injuries. Lillard is averaging 29.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while consistently dominating in crunch time, putting his name in the hat for the MVP race in the process.

ESPN's Jalen Rose stumped for Dame on Jalen & Jacoby:

Rose mentions how the Blazers are getting healthier at the right time, and the addition of Norman Powell to the rotation only makes the team that much better. With Lillard leading the way, Portland has a legitimate shot at making a deep run in the playoffs this year.

Damian Lillard has been dominating the league since his rookie year and is finally getting some of the recognition he deserves. During the NBA bubble last season, more eyes were on Portland as teams were fighting for playoff position. Lillard earned even more respect during that time.

We saw him in the limelight again during All-Star Weekend, where he and Stephen Curry took turns launching it from half court with ease. The league recognizes Lillard as one of the best, as do the fans. Based on his stats this year and how he has been able to carry Portland throughout most of the season, Damian Lillard should be considered a serious candidate for MVP.